Summary

Lakshmi and Stepfather go to the trader Bajai Sita's store to tell her that Lakshmi wants to go to work in the city. Stepfather asks for a thousand rupees for Lakshmi’s services, but Bajai Sita says Lakshmi has no hips, which confuses Lakshmi. Bajai Sita ultimately pays 800 rupees for Lakshmi. From there, Auntie Bimla, a well-dressed woman from the city, takes Lakshmi to the city with her. They walk for two days before riding in a truck - the first time Lakshmi has ever been in a car. Once they reach the city, they take a bus, which takes them to another city. Lakshmi is overwhelmed by all the new things she sees, from popcorn makers and barbers to children picking through trash and women weaving materials.

She is brought to a large building with many rooms, and is given new...